I join the other reviewers that perfectly appreciated highly this forgotten gem, and there are so many in French cinema History foculazing on official masterpieces (by Carné, Clouzot, Duvivier, Renoir,...). Although there are two of the best actors from that period, Pierre Fresnay of course (he was everywhere) and the excellent tough Fernand Ledoux, having a no mercy psychological dual. With a mysterious very young woman played by intriguing Andrée Clément. Decoin is the famous director who gave us so many brilliant films noirs (my favorite being Non Coupable and les Amants du Pont Saint Jean, both with Michel Simon).
The action doesn't take place in province, as a reviewer wrote, but in a charming town not far from Versailles. The director of photography lived in that area and often shot around (les Diaboliques).
Please, French editors, when shall we see this title on digital disc? There are some excellent documents from the 40's relating the Shooting for some great bonus.
2 out of 3 found this helpful